Heatwave alert: Nagpur temperature soars, here's what to do if you are affected by heatstroke
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heatwave conditions likely over central India from April 21-25 with the rise in maximum temperatures by about 2°C likely over Central India and Gujarat during next 3 Days.
According to a TOI report, Nagpur recorded a temperature of 44.7 degrees Celsius on Saturday. IMD also predicted a gradual rise in maximum temperatures by 2-3°C likely over Northwest India during the next 6 days.
As temperatures soar and heatwave conditions prevail in various parts of the country, officials have advised people to keep themselves hydrated and seek help when they are down with a heatstroke.
What is a heatstroke?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which heat overwhelms the body’s ability to manage its temperature. In other words, the body overheats and is not capable of cooling down. This causes reduced blood flow and damage to vital organs along with the body temperature soaring to dangerous levels, typically above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius).
Treatment and prevention
Mayo Clinic suggests the following steps as the treatment procedure for patients affected by heatstroke.
Immersion in cold water: If an individual shows signs of heat stroke, a cold water bath can be the most effective way to lower the body temperature. This can reduce the risk of organ damage and death.
Using evaporation cooling techniques: Healthcare professionals may try to lower body temperature using an evaporation method where cool water is misted on the body while warm air is fanned over the person. This causes the water to evaporate and cool the skin.
Packing with ice and cooling blankets: Wrap the person in a special cooling blanket and apply ice packs to the groin, neck, back and armpits to lower temperature.
Give medicines to stop shivering: If treatments to lower body temperature make you shiver, doctors may give a muscle relaxant, such as a benzodiazepine. Shivering increases the body temperature, making treatment less effective.
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